I’ve Been Thinking About History (Essentials Red)

For: The Institute Of Contemporary And Emerging Worship Studies, St. Stephen’s University, Essentials Red Online Worship History Course with Dan Wilt I am on week 1 of  Essentials Red Online Worship History Course and am finding this course stimulating and challenging.  My first thoughts regarding the course book Ancient – Future Time by Robert Webber are a cry “Hooray for Church Unity”, Robert’s second and ambitious aim is “the search for unity in the in the church.  Looking at history of the church with it’s many manifestations — Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant”. ¹ The Introduction features an awesome summary of the “Christian-Year Spirituality at a Glance”.   This lists and describes various seasons in the Christian Calendar some of which were familiar to me, others were not so familiar. The more I read this book, the more it breaks down my pre-conceptions of the ways that I can connect to God through worship.

I have concluded that Time and Space... the environment in which we worship is much more important than my previous thoughts.  While churches can meet to worship in school halls (God can certainly be present powerfully), the beautiful & historical environment of a 100 year old chapel can add new worship dimensions. Worship through various arts of sculpture, dance and painting along with music and song can also add incredibly to the worship experience.  e.g. David Ruis & Indigika video clip.

I know that the way I worship today is a result of my worship experiences in many different times and spaces from a young age to the present day.   I am now challenged to seek God in new ways and make the most of every minute to worship God, celebrating the seasons of worship.

Simon

¹ Webber, Robert. Ancient-Future Time: Forming Spirituality Through The Christian Year. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2004 11-17